If you decide to venture off of the sandy beach for a while and feel like heading into the sparkling sea, Varadero is home to some very interesting underwater treasures to explore. A shipwreck, coral reefs and water-filled caves all lurk beneath the surface waiting to be discovered. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both offered through many hotels and other vendors throughout the peninsula. The Cuba Diving link below has more detailed information about pricing, companies and the types of adventures offered.
The most distinguished and oldest 18-hole golf course in all of Cuba is the Varadero Golf Club. The course is public, of professional quality and has a mixture of easier and more difficult holes. The clubhouse there offers lodging, and also happens to be a historical relic. Built in the 1920s, it was originally the retirement mansion of a wealthy American businessman.
If being on a boat is your thing, you'll find plenty of opportunities to have a blast in Varadero. Guided sailing, yachting and fishing trips are popular, as well as renting kayaks and canoes and setting out on your own to check out the area's waters. Some hotels may have free small boat rentals on-site. Several companies also lead tours daily.
Just meandering on foot in a gorgeous resort town in the tropics is a wonderful experience in itself, but riding about and seeing the sights on horseback, moped or bicycle can make for an even more exciting way to look around. Horseback rides usually go right along the beach, which can make a person feel like they are living in a storybook! Bikes and mopeds can be rented at several shops for varying lengths of time, and are a great way get around fast while getting acquainted with Varadero.
Bringing home a memento of a trip is something most people like to do. Souvenir shops, which are sometimes simply a stand or hut, are very common in Varadero. But for more of a local flavor, mall and open-air market shopping is also available in the city center. Whatever a person may be looking to buy, it most certainly can be found somewhere in the region.
For well over a century, Varadero has been a vacation hotspot for Cuban and foreign visitors alike. This makes the area rich in places of historical interest, some that even go back to its pre-resort days. Cave paintings from Cuban natives can be observed at Ambrosio's Cave, and Las Salinas, a salt mine, gives a glimpse of Varadero's importance in colonial times. Many old seaside homes are also prevalent throughout the town.
With its prime location, being nearly surrounded by beautiful, blue, calm waters, Varadero is a water sports enthusiasts haven. From jet-skiing to windsurfing to simply going for a swim, there are tons of thrills to be had during a stay on the peninsula. Just head to your hotel's beach or a public one to partake in any of these activities, or for a unique take on jet-skiing, try the Jungle Tour, which takes travelers into Varadero's scenic backwaters.
